Hooded eyelids are quite common and typically not a medical concern, but some people find that hooded eyelids make them appear older or less energized than they are. If this is the case for you, know that there are both surgical and nonsurgical hooded eyelid treatment options to create a younger and more alert appearance.
What Are Hooded Eyelids?
Hooded eyelids occur when the skin underneath your eyebrows folds over your upper eyelids. As a result, the upper eyelids cannot be seen when your eyes are open. In many cases, a fold of skin may be visible in the crease of your upper eyelid with hooded eyelids.
Hooded eyelids are primarily caused by genetics combined with aging. If you are predisposed to having excess skin above the eyes, this skin will naturally begin to droop and sag over time. In contrast, if you do not have much excess skin above your eyes, there is less tissue that will be subjected to the effects of aging and gravity.
Environmental and lifestyle factors can also play a role. For instance, eye-rubbing, sun exposure and even diet and exercise can all be contributing factors to the prevalence and extent of hooded upper eyelids.
What’s the Best Treatment for Hooded Eyelids?
Doctors and even med spas offer a number of treatment options to improve the appearance of hooded eyelids or drooping brows. My recommendation in almost all cases will be a surgical option like a brow lift, eyelid surgery, or a combination of both. This is the only way to remove excess skin and create a tighter, more sculpted upper eyelid appearance. By combining an upper eyelid procedure with a brow lift, I am able to refresh the upper eyelids and elevate the eyebrows to a more youthful position, with results that are very long-lasting.
Some cosmetic offices may suggest the use of injectables like BOTOX® and dermal fillers to improve the appearance of hooded eyelids. This can lead to a less than satisfying result for several reasons. First, all nonsurgical cosmetic approaches are temporary in nature. In the case of injectables, results may last anywhere from 3 to 9 months typically. The cost of repeat treatments can quickly add up to equal or exceed the cost of a surgical solution.
The bigger concern with nonsurgical options is the inability to address the root cause of hooded eyelids – excess, drooping skin. The only way to remove this skin is through a surgical procedure. Injectables may “mask” or provide a subtly lifted look to the upper eyelids, but they are simply not able to provide the level of cosmetic correction most people are searching for.
Still have questions about the best hooded eyelid treatment for you? Call our Houston Plastic Surgery office at 281-557-3223 or request an appointment online to discuss your goals with Dr. Athré.
